FDOT blames contractor for spelling errrors

Take a look at this picture.  Is something not quite right?  Look again.

On first (or second) glance you might not catch the spelling errors on this new interstate sign awaiting installation along the shoulder of I-95 near the Butler Blvd. exit.

SPOILER ALERT:  "Florida" is misspelled both times, and as many Facebook comments have pointed out, this is even more ironic as the sign promotes the exit as being the way to a university and a college!

After posting the picture on WOKV.com and Facebook,  WOKV News contacted the Florida Dept. or Transportation for comment and their spokesperson, Mike Goldman, says the FDOT had already realized the mistake when the sign was delivered and had left them by the side of the road while they awaited a replacement. 

"It was something we spotted right away. We wouldn't allow them to put up the sign until it's been corrected", Goldman said. Goldman says the signs should be fixed by next week and the company that made the signs will correct the mistakes. Goldman stresses the plan sent by FDOT to the sign company had the correct spelling of our state. 

Goldman says he is not sure how much it will cost, and added "in hindsight we should have covered it up".  "Whenever these signs are delivered we inspect them for the spelling, to make sure they're made right, the proper materials, they can be erected properly. It's not like we automatically put them up when we receive them".

As to why new signs are needed in the first place, Goldman says FDOT has been changing the lettering on signs to make them more visible and that they are also stronger, and on stronger supports, to better withstand high winds.

The new sign is part of the I-95 improvement project and whenever the new signs arrive, will be installed at the Bulter Blvd. exit.